Aaron M. Lies

Serves as the Bilateral Affairs Officer in the Security Cooperation Office (SCO) - Jamaica, at the U.S. Embassy Kingston. Responsible for the development, management, administration, and execution of State Partnership Program (SPP) and Traditional Commander Activities (TCA) engagements in accordance with U.S. National Security objectives, U.S. Southern Command Theatre and Campaign Plans, and the U.S. Department of State Integrated Country Strategy. Serves as liaison between the State, the Geographic Combatant Command and the Partner Nation. Functions as security cooperation action officer, providing subject matter expertise on the National Guard, ensuring the submission of concepts, after action reports, and performing escort and pay agent duties as required. Coordinates with U.S., the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other U.S. government agencies to ensure mission success. Responsible for the the development of TCA and SPP desktop procedures, continuity files, and records. Additional duties include: Security Manager, OPSEC Manager, and Biometric Vetting.

Deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS) from February to November 2022. Managed the Division Commander’s daily schedule and long-range planning responsibilities. Coordinated five Key Leader Engagements with partner nations, planned and executed in-theater travel to ten countries within the area of responsibility (AOR), and facilitated three Distinguished Visitor (DV) events. Oversaw all Defense Travel System (DTS) authorization and voucher submissions for the command team.

Developed, directed, and evaluated comprehensive training programs for an Engineer Brigade, ensuring alignment with higher headquarters’ guidance and operational objectives. Issued written training directives to two subordinate battalions, providing clear instruction to support mission readiness. Managed the Brigade Safety Program, maintaining compliance with Inspector General (IG) standards and ensuring a safe and accountable training environment.

Coordinated and confirmed travel arrangements for pharmaceutical clients in accordance with client-specific guidelines and compliance standards. Utilized standardized scripts and workflow processes to apply airline contracts, manage block space allocations, and complete program accounting tasks accurately. Provided responsive and professional customer service by answering program-related inquiries and addressing guest phone calls, ensuring a high level of client satisfaction.

Managed ten engineering projects across Missouri from initial planning through completion, overseeing all phases of execution. Coordinated and integrated processes across ten distinct projects, encompassing planning, engineering, design, and construction. Project scope ranged from concrete flatwork to full-scale demolition, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with technical and safety standards.